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Oh ugh, that sounds awful! I was in the hospital with a young woman who'd had VSG the same day and she was and is still having bouts of it too. I have both Celebrate chewable vitamins that I find disgusting and Bariatric Fusion chewable multis that taste too chalky to me so I quit taking them. Every day was a battle to keep them down anyway. I found Vitafusion Women's Multi gummies at Costco and though they have 3g of sugar in 2, they are palatable and I feel like they are better absorbed. I take two per day, plus two Vitafusion Fiber Well gummies (sugar free), one Caltrate (it's chalky too, but smaller than the multi's: Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc etc.) and oneCelebrate B-12 quick melt. I hope you turn a corner soon on your nausea! Take care, friend.

Unless you have an H.M.O. Plan (I think that’s the one) where you have to get referrals from primary doctor to see any specialist, You should be able to see anyone you want. Just ask them if they take your insurance. You may want to ask the surgeons office if they recommend anyone else because you want someone familiar with bariatric patients and surgery though.

Easy…hire another one. They don’t have to be affiliated with your bariatric program.

I'm in Dallas, but when I was researching surgeons, I came upon a great group in SA. Sage Bariatric. One of their doctors has a YouTube channel and I've really enjoyed his videos. John Pilcher. Not sure if he's connected to your weight loss center. Good luck!

So its been interesting reading so many people saying bad things about the gastric balloon, because for me, even though its very early days, it is going really well. I have lost 8kg since my procedure on May 21st (starting weight 134.9kg which I think is just under 300 pounds?, height 5'6), I am, as advertised, not hungry at all, and while the first week I was cramping somewhat, I haven't vomited or had any nausea at all. I haven't had any issues in the puree stage and am already finding some soft foods are okay too, though I do still feel more comfortable on liquids so I am dialing it back a bit and taking the transition slower as the fullness is hard to (lol) stomach. Speaking of stomachs, even though I intellectually knew better, I think my mind always associated my stomach with my belly, so intestinal pains or discomfort sometimes translated as hunger pains for me I think. I have never been so aware of my actual stomach before and I think that's hugely important to learning how to change my lifestyle going forward. I can hopefully do a better job listening to my hunger and fullness cues because this balloon is taking me to actually listen to the right body part! I wonder if this is something anyone else has experienced as part of their bariatric weightloss journey? I must say I did a LOT of preparation in the lead up to my procedure, I created a folder with all the info I needed for my different stages, as well as recipe ideas, info about possible health issues and troubleshooting for anything that might come up, tracker sheets for water and medication, weight loss, exercise tips for recovery, measurements etc (like you might have in a bullet journal) and I am referring back to my folder and adding to it constantly - which is actually super fun and keeps me motivated! I got some info from my surgeon and dietician, as well as the usual orbera booklet (in digital form, so i printed only the relevant bits - why there are whole pages of slim people who have never needed to consider weight loss procedures in these things I will never know lol) and I also scoured the internets for resources from other hospitals, much of which is more aimed at surgical patients but is still really relevant for me. I think it's a mindfulness thing, because I find that adding to my folder is great way to keep my mind busy and get out of old habits (And I have cute stickers that I put in there too). I was an emotional eater all my life but recently I am realising I am also a boredom eater - so trying to replace those boredom triggers with other things is my main goal, sometimes I find myself even though I am FULL, thinking about eating something out of boredom so I am learning how best to divert my brain with new fun things. I think a lot of people go into the gastric balloon thinking is going to be a quick fix and obviously that isn't the case. Its a tool like any other. They say the average amount lost is around 15kg but as I am halfway there already, and I have at least a year of this, I am quietly hopeful that my goal is in reach ( I want to get below 100kg, so the total amount I want to lose is 35kg over the time I have this balloon). It's still early days for me but I feel hopeful. I can do this. Honestly I'm not sure if my lack of vomming is because I am being so careful with how much I have at once, or because I am tracking the medication and taking that regularly as a preemptive thing, or if I am just one of the lucky ones. Along with not being hungry (at ALL), I am not having any of my regular cravings. I tell people the fullness feels like.... say you stuffed yourself eating a huge meal then someone put a slice of chocolate mud cake in front of you and even though you KNOW it would taste good, the idea of even getting it near your mouth is the last thing you want. Or say you've had a big holiday dinner and now you need to go have a mid-afternoon nap to sleep it off. I feel like that almost all the time right now so there really is no room for temptation. I'm happy to talk about my experience with the balloon insertion, why and how I chose the balloon (and why Orbera), how I put my folder together, or generally answer any questions. And I hope to come back and update on my progress to help keep myself accountable. Sent from my SM-G965F using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello ladies, I am also with Kaiser Options program and I am about to finish my 10 week classes this June 4th. Unfortunetly, my Vitamin D labs came back low at 22 and it needs to be at around 30. So I have beem prescribed some vitamin d and need to recheck labs after 6 weeks. This will be delaying my process. 😔 I am doing my options program through the Downey, CA location and we were not told anything about a psych evaluation so not sure if every location is different. I was told once the labs are rechecked in 5 more weeks to be exact, I will be scheduled for a physical examination, then see a Bariatric surgeon to talk about which surgery option, and finally be scheduled for surgery. Hopefully it does not take a long time. 🤞. We were suppose to get labs at week 3 of the classes in case anything came abnormal, but mine were not orderes until week 7 so that is why everything for me is getting delayed. Also, the ekg had to be done at week 3 for same reason. Luckily mine was normal. Good luck to you ladies!

I think it's so interesting that most of our concerns and prep revolve around What will I eat? and When will I be able to eat normal stuff again? as our primary concern 😅 That is definitely the first place my mind went when I was learning about the process, too. I think it is so telling of the fact that we are indeed food addicts and food takes up so much space in our life. I have been preparing by taste-testing protein drinks (hate em all so far 🙈), organising my schedule to avoid any big commitments right after surgery, and doing all the research I can by reading, finding IG accounts to follow, watching YouTube videos, etc. I am trying to learn from other people's experiences as much as possible for tips, tricks, how to do the right things and how to avoid the pitfalls. I have also been looking into doing some kind of workbook or something for developing new coping strategies since food won't be there for me anymore. Struggling to find anything for bariatric patients specifically, just general ones on anxiety, depression, etc... But will let you all know if I do find something useful!

LOL - thanks! It's just that I've been hanging around on bariatric boards for several years - plus I used to volunteer for my bariatric clinic - leading one of the pre-op classes. After awhile, you absorb a lot of info..

Bariatric Pal should put you on their payroll for your well thought out responses.

Try a therapist experienced in working with bariatric patients.

Sleeved 5/3. Was at 275 that morning, at 252 this morning. Was hoping to be at 25lbs down at 30 days, but happy with my progress so far. Vitamins have been a struggle. I have to take zofran with my bariatric vitamin otherwise it’s immediate vomiting. Otherwise I’ve been able to tolerate almost all other foods I’m allowed and able to force down enough water. Cravings haven’t been bad. Idk why but I’d really love some cream of wheat or something. My Dr said ummm absolutely not lol. Hope everyone else is doing well.

My bariatric program started 7/5/2020; I was 287 pounds. The next phase, pre-op, started 4/17 at 273 pounds. Surgery was 5/5 at 260. Today, 5/31, I am down to 247. I am eating whirred cottage cheese, nonfat greek yogurt to which I add either whipped pears, peaches or mandarin oranges. Also having refried beans which I used to detest but I seembto love them now. I love getting a little meat — we are allowed fish or chicken — but it stays in my pouch for several hours. iOccasionally I have smushed green beans or asparagus. Pureed carrots and broccoli — having issues digesting them; maybe too much fiber? I have come to really enjoy the Mio-type water flavorings. I really like that they don’t add single-use plastic bottles to our plastic pollution problems. My favorite flavors are black cherry & anything berry.

I’m one week out from VSG so maybe a bit too early to weigh in (pun intended) but as my incisions heal and the surgical fluids are pretty much gone, my facial features are becoming more visible and I am thinking about my future. I’m 40 years old and very active but will be much more agile without 120+ pounds of extra weight. Snowboarding in Whistler? Yep! Riding any rollercoaster or amusement park ride I want? Yep! Staying covered up at the beach? Nope! With this surgery, I essentially traded crap food and bad eating habits for LIVING. For life! Find a supportive mental health team accustomed to working with bariatric patients, decide what’s most important to you, ask your doc a thousand questions, and pray/meditate/ponder over it. Whatever inconveniences this surgery may or may not bring are nothing compared to the health problems that usually accompany obesity. I was tired of digging my grave with a knife and fork.

Hey all, question for al of you, whether pre-op or post-op: what were some surprising things you discovered during the bariatric surgery process, whether about yourself, insurance, people around you, diets in general, unexpected occurrences etc? What should someone in pre-op be ready for?

I'm in and out, KC. I think, for the most part, the bariatric surgery forums frustrate me anymore....but once in a while I feel like stopping in. Congrats on your awesome results! Woot!

not much you can do about it - if it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen... Just know that it's temporary - it should all grow back. hair loss can be a side effect of any major surgery (or of other things, too, like childbirth). It's due to trauma to the body. I think it's probably seen more often with bariatric surgeries than with other major surgeries because in addition to the surgery trauma, we're taking in very few calories those first few weeks/months after surgery. I lost hair from months 6-9. Fortunately, I didn't lose much - no one would have noticed. And it all grew back. about all you can do is keep on top of your protein and supplements so it doesn't get any worse than it would otherwise.

Once you got to the SOFT FOOD stage and beyond have any of you utilized portion control containers such as these and did they help? https://www.amazon.com/Day-Portion-Control-Container-kit/dp/B06XWNN2LB/ref=sr_1_6?crid=W2225LTZL04C&dchild=1&keywords=bariatric+portion+control+containers&qid=1622343067&sprefix=bariatric+portion+cpntrol%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-6

I like Bariatric Advantage Multivitamin Chewy Bites.

My sleeve was done on 5/20/21 so Im a week in and doing good with full liquids and protein drinks. The bariatric protein chicken broth is about the best tasting thing I have. I have had greek yogurt (light and fit) and Im allowed sugar free pudding and jello. The doctor said I was doing so well I can add some mushy food this weekend like the ricotta bake or some tuna fish. I cant wait! 😂

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Protein drinks at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders. Here are some popular options: BariatricPal Protein ONE: MultiVitamin, Calcium, Iron, Fiber & Meal Replacement from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/brand_bariatricpal Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder Sampler Variety Bag - All 17 Flavors! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/syntrax-nectar-protein-powder-sampler-variety-bag-all-17-flavors GENEPRO Medical Grade Unflavored 30g Protein Powder - 2nd Generation! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/genepro-medical-grade-unflavored-30g-protein-powder-2nd-generation Bariatric Advantage HPMR High Protein Meal Replacement - Available in 8 Flavors! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/bariatric-advantage-high-protein-meal-replacement Protein tubs from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powder-tubs Protein Smoothies from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/smoothies Hot Protein Drinks & Soups are great alternatives to protein shakes: Hot Protein Drinks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/hot-protein-drinks Hot Protein Soups: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/soups-bouillons-broths

I use BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a special offer where it'll cost you only $99 for an entire year supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/99 With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE each day, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by a team of the world's leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with absorption of iron. You can view a large selection of bariatric friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. You can also find many other brands of bariatric multivitamins at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/multivitamins.

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of bariatric friendly protein bars at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-bars ! Here are some of the awesome protein bar brands they carry: - BariatricPal - Built Bar - Convenient Nutrition - Dive Bar Nutrition - Epic - HealthSmart Foods - IQBar - Keto Wise - Kirkland - Muscle Cheff - Power Crunch - Proti Diet - Quest Nutrition

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Protein Snacks & Desserts at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatric-high-protein-low-calorie-snacks-and-desserts Here are some other bariatric friendly ideas as well: Chips and Crunchy Snacks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-chips-and-crunchy-protein-snacks Chocolate Bars & Candies: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatric-friendly-chocolate-bars-chocolate-candies Cakes, Cookies & Wafers: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/cookies-wafers Sugar-Free Candy: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/sugar-free-candy Cheese Snacks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/cheese-snacks Meat & Jerky Snacks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/meat-snacks Fish Snacks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/fish-snacks Protein Bars: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-bars Pretzels: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/pretzels Nuts: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/nut-snacks

I kept changing mine. When I started, I weighed 373 lbs. When they asked me at the bariatric clinic during one of my first appts what my goal was, I blurted out 200 lbs, realizing that was probably a pipe dream and there was little chance of me getting down that low. So I was shocked when they said that was a reasonable goal (!). When I got down to 220-ish, I revised my goal to 180. The dietitian said I'd have to work hard, but it'd be attainable if I really worked at it. So then when I got there, I told her I wanted to shoot for 150 now, since for me that is within a normal BMI range She told me that that was probably unrealistic, that only about 10% of their patients make it that far, so not to get my hopes up - but I made it. Then I wanted to go lower. I just wasn't sure how low. So I had a DEXA scan at 146 lbs (the kind they do in sports labs or those commercial places, since those include fat percentage. The ones you get at doctor's offices don't include that). I told the scan technician I'd had WLS and wondered how much more weight I could lose. I was shocked when she said I was done losing weight - my body fat was 22%, which is lean for a woman. I couldn't believe it! Anyway, my weight kept dropping into the 130s (I was obviously too thin at that point - I looked pretty awful), but then, like most people, I put on 10-15 lbs during year 3 (the infamous "bounce back") But I looked much better than I did in the 130s. Mid-140s to low-150s is where I looked and felt my best (I've since put on about 10 lbs (depending on the day) thanks to COVID, which I'm trying to get off at the moment - but I won't go down in the mid-130s again...too low) anyway, suffice it to say, pick something that sounds attainable for you at the moment, knowing you can always revise it later.

I told an old acquaintance the other day that I had bariatric surgery. She proceeded to tell me about a horror story of one of her friends who had the surgery 25 years ago in Mexico. Her friend has had severe complications that have never resolved. Although I had mine done at a Bariatric Center of Excellence here in the states, her story did cause me anxiety. I’m only 3 weeks past surgery and I need to stay positive! I won’t be so open in the future!